The Relay will begin with a striking coastal arrival, launching from the Barry Docks RNLI station at 09:45. Travelling by lifeboat along the coastline, the Baton will make its way to Whitmore Bay, arriving on the beach shortly before 10:00.

Following its arrival, baton bearers will carry the Baton along the beach before the Relay progresses onto the promenade, culminating in a special performance from a local school, providing a celebratory and community-focused welcome.

Alongside the Relay activity, a beach clean event will take place, delivered in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy and Team Wales partner Principality Building Society, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainability and community action.

Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, CEO of Team Wales, said “The King’s Baton Relay is a proud and symbolic moment for Wales, bringing together our communities, athletes and partners as we build towards Glasgow 2026. Day 1 sets the tone for what promises to be an inspiring journey across the nation.”

 Olivia Harrison, Chair of Barry Dock RNLI added “We are incredibly proud that Barry Island has been chosen to welcome the King’s Baton Relay as it arrives into Wales. To have RNLI volunteer crew from Barry Dock lifeboat station and our South East Wales lifeguards heavily involved makes this a particularly special moment for our community.

The event is made even more significant as it takes place during two important anniversaries – This year marks 125 years of Barry Dock RNLI, celebrating generations of volunteers who have served our community and saved lives at sea along out coast, while 2026 also marks 25 years of RNLI lifeguards helping to keep people safe on beaches around the UK and Ireland.’’

From Barry Island, the Baton will travel to Cardiff Metropolitan University for the official Team Wales media event. Here, Chef de Mission Gethin Jones will formally welcome selected athletes into the team, followed by a dedicated media opportunity for press to interview athletes ahead of the Games.

Ben O’Connell, Director of Sport at Cardiff Metropolitan University said ‘’Cardiff Met is delighted to be welcoming the Kings Baton to Campus and hosting the official athlete announcement for the games. We look forward to celebrating the hard work and dedication of so many talented athletes, a number of whom are either current students, alumni or use Cardiff Met as their training base.’’

The Baton will then continue to the Celtic Manor Resort, where it will be at the heart of a dynamic sports festival involving local primary schools and Positive Futures. The festival will showcase all 10 sports set to feature at Glasgow 2026, with support from the respective National Governing Bodies, offering young people an inspiring opportunity to engage with sport.

Celtic Collection Regional Sales Director Rachel Phillips said: “We are excited to be one of the first stops on the King’s Baton Relay across Wales and we are looking forward to celebrating the team and community spirit represented by the Commonwealth Games. As an official partner of Team Wales, we are proud to support the nation’s journey to Glasgow and help promote sporting opportunities for young people.’’

The Welsh leg of the Relay will officially run from 19–24 June and will feature a dynamic blend of pre-recorded moments alongside live events, ensuring communities across Wales can take part in this historic celebration.

For the first time ever, Commonwealth Sport is partnering with the Royal Commonwealth Society to tackle plastic pollution.  The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign will bring together athletes and communities to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways before the Games commence in 2026

Cathy Williams, Head of Engagement and King’s Baton Relay Lead for Wales, said:
“This opening day is all about community connection—bringing the Baton directly to people, celebrating local pride, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to be inspired through sport. From the beach clean to the school engagement and sports festival, it reflects the power of the Relay to make a positive impact.”

This opening day highlights the spirit of the Baton Relay—bringing communities together, celebrating sport, and inspiring the next generation across Wales.